5 Healthy Breakfasts Your Sweet Tooth Will Die For

If you're going to have dessert, I say it should be at breakfast—and I'm an R.D.! According to a 2012 study in the journal Steroids, researchers found that if you're reducing calories, the best time to indulge in something sweet is in the morning, when your metabolism is at its peak. Of course, it’s still important to get plenty of protein and healthy carbohydrates—but why not make your a.m. meal feel like a treat, as well? These six dessert-inspired breakfasts are calorie-conscious, protein-rich, and totally delicious.

Is there anything more satisfying than peanut butter and jelly? Enjoy your childhood favorite with this make-ahead oatmeal. The grape jelly is made by combining 100 percent Concord grape juice with chia seeds and then leaving them overnight to soak and gel. In the morning, you're rewarded with a sweet jam filling, no added sugar required.

1. Using a stand mixer or a bowl and a hand mixer, whip the banana, almond milk, peanut butter, and pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Add in the oats, and whip until combined. Move into a container, and place in the fridge overnight.

2. Whisk the chia seeds into the Concord grape juice, and let set in the fridge.

3. In the morning, divide the peanut butter mixture into jars (will make two large servings or 4 smaller ones; will also keep for at least 2-3 days in the fridge, so you can have multiple servings from one recipe). Top with grape chia mixture.

This may sound like dessert, but it's actually an easy way to add more fruit to your morning. It contains flax seeds and dried cherries, two soluble fibers that aid in satiety, which means this oatmeal will keep you full 'til lunch. For a creamier treat, serve with extra milk or yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup on top.

Who doesn’t love the idea of French toast for breakfast? This version is made healthier by using whole-wheat bread and a naturally sweetened fruit syrup. If you’re short on time, make the syrup the night before; it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week.

Place all ingredients in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil. As the mixture heats up, use a wooden spoon to smash any large berries up a bit. After the mixture has come to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 10 minutes, until it reduces and is thick enough to cover the back of a spoon. Enjoy warm or cold.

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